Working to improve the experience Asmina Islam Chowdhury, and of Black and Minority Ethnic Staff and communities Sharifa Hashem June 2020
Copyright © NABMEF, 2020 Statement issued by NABMEF on 4th June 2020
Since the death of George Floyd last week, millions across the globe are taking part in protests and supporting the #BLM movement.
The sad thing is that this is not a new issue, this is part of what has been a systematic racial problem for centuries and it is a global problem, not just a problem in the USA. We recognise the personal impact and emotional turmoil that this is having on our Black colleagues, volunteers and our communities, and we acknowledge that there are people in all our trusts who are hurting. The pain that is felt by Black people around the globe is palpable.
We as the National Ambulance BME Forum stand with our black colleagues and will continue to drive towards eradicating racism. Our focus as a BME forum is to champion and raise awareness on issues around race. Racism has no place in our society.
It is not enough just to be not racist; we also have to be actively anti-racist. We do not want to move backwards in all the good work we have done so far in terms of race equality by staying silent.
Let us use this as an opportunity to be better and do better going forward. Ask your Black colleagues “are you ok?”
Right now, our Black colleagues feel tired and having allies is more crucial than ever. It’s okay if you feel uncomfortable - let’s get talking, let’s have the conversation.
This is not a Black vs white matter. This is an everyone vs racism matter. Background
The National Ambulance BME Forum recognises that BME people right now are tired of being the ones who are given the responsibility to educate people about how to be an ally, and anti-racist. In response to the calls from our networks across the country, we have put together this resource to help colleagues find how they can support their BME colleagues and the Black Lives Matter movement.
The Black Fist of Power was first used in the late 40's by Black Africans as a form The 6year old daughter of George Floyd, who joined protests of acknowledgement. Though it’s earlier this week and said “daddy changed the world.” meaning changed over the decades the symbolic use of the fist diminished, until in 2012 three women formed the Black “The beauty of anti-racism is that you don’t have Lives Matter movement and brought back its use. The protest to pretend to be free of racism to be an anti-racist. group was founded by Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors and Opal Anti-racism is the commitment to fight racism Tometi in protest at the killing of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin. wherever you find it, including in yourself. And Now used worldwide, its use by the BLM is peaceful and the that’s the only way forward.” group in its current form aims to change ideology through -Ijeoma Oluo, American writer peaceful channels. Some tips on how to be an ally
1. Recognise your Privilege. 4. Be strategic – use the power you have for change. This does not mean that your life hasn’t had it’s difficulties, but recognise that your skin colour is not one of the reasons that life As an ally, your privilege and often your position will mean that is harder for you. There are many kinds of privilege, be it people will listen more when you talk. Allyship is more than joining cisgender, able bodied, male, hetero-sexual, socio-economic as in the protest or being part of an event. Use your power to make well as White privilege. White privilege has endured throughout positive cultural change. Call out and respond to the inappropriate history. banter, microaggression or racist comment.
2. Listen 5. Look at who is in your in-group. The most important of all. Create a safe space for people to express their fears, frustrations, and needs. Simply listening to We all have in groups and out group and our in-groups tend to stories and trusting that they’re being truthful creates a protective look like us. How often do you hear the voices of people who layer of support. Listen to what people have to say and don’t look like you and what their experience is. Always be aware acknowledge of your implicit biases – we all have them.
3. Be prepared to be uncomfortable and brave 6. Amplify the voices of others Acknowledging privilege and systemic inequality is Whether it is online or in person amplify the voices of those uncomfortable, it isn’t meant to be easy. As an ally, when you recognise these inequalities and speak about them it makes a without your privilege. We need you to speak out and challenge if difference to both your audience and to people of colour. Accept you hear Racist language or behaviour criticism with grace, we all get it wrong from time to time, but be willing to learn. What should I read?
With so much available to read on the topic of Race, we felt a short reading list from our forum members may help to get you started.
Why I’m No longer talking to White people Brit(ish), Afua Hirsch about Race, Rene Eddo-Lodge Hirsch is the daughter of a black Ghanaian In 2014, award-winning journalist Reni Eddo- woman and a white English man; her book is Lodge wrote about her frustration with the way an interrogation of her own identity and an that discussions of race and racism in Britain examination of the roots of prejudice, taking to were being led by those who weren't affected task those progressives who claim they “don’t by it. She posted a piece on her blog, entitled: see colour”. It asks the question that so many 'Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People people of colour hear “Why do I get asked About Race’, this led to the publication of the where I’m from, when my entire family is book by the same name in 2018. British.”
The Good Immigrant, Nikesh Shukla How to be an Antiracist, Ibram X. Kendi Kendi candidly identifies and confronts racism The Good Immigrant is a collection of 21 in America by telling the story of his life from essays from Black, Asian and minority ethnic his upbringing in Queens, New York, where he voices which have been edited by Shukla. The was, at best, an indifferent student, to his time essays tell what is it to be a person of colour in as a PhD student at Temple University in the UK today. They address a multitude of Philadelphia and, later, to some of his experiences and ask why BME immigrants are experiences as a professor. seen as “bad immigrants” until they have proven themselves to be worthy. What should I watch? There are many films and series you can watch to help you increase your understanding of what is happening across the globe at the present time, these may give you an insight into some of the issues.
Black and Scottish Time: The Kalief Browder Story This film brings together black Scottish True Crime docuseries, the story of a teenager individuals who share their experiences of wrongly charged wwith theft and jailed at being black in Scotland . Riker’s Island prison for over 1,000 days
Hidden Colors Dear White People This documentary series explains and describe A series following the lives of several black the marginalizing of African Americans in students at an ivy leagues college and the America and the world. myriad of challenges and micro-aggressions they face on a daily basis.
Is Britain racist? When they see us This BBC3 series documents the True crime Docuseries, based on the Central experience of Black people in the UK Park jogger case. Five boys wrongly convicted of a crime they did not commit. https://youtu.be/BuZbbMOH0Qo How to support anti-racism in the UK
Taking the time to learn and research is part of being a good ally. These are some of the organisations that you may want to take a look at to increase your own awareness. Your mental health matters
This is not an easy topic to speak about and we know that for many there is an impact on It’s okay to not be okay people’s wellbeing. Here are some tips to support you; We know that individual Trusts have a • Limit social media intake multitude of wellbeing resources Social media is a wonderful tool but you can also spend hours reading and absorbing available. traumatic information. Know your capacity and listen to your body when a break is needed You can also contact the NHS Wellbeing service using the details below or speak • Talk to family, friends and colleagues to your local BME Network or NABMEF Talking to others helps. Share how you are feeling with those you trust. Social support is lead about what’s available locally. key during times like these. Keep in contact with people who bring you happiness
• Channel your frustrations Fitness is a great way to help channel your emotions and focus your mind and body in the present.
• Read, listen and watch things that celebrate Black culture Read articles, books, listen to music and watch films that celebrate the amazing contributions made by Black people. Did you know the stethoscope was invented by a black man, Thomas A Carrington?
• Eat well A balanced and nutritious diet will give you more energy and help you to think clearly.